Four Pinoy movies among greatest Asian films of all time

National Artist for Film Lino Brocka is named as one of Asia's best directors at the recently concluded Busan International Film Festival. STAR/File

MANILA, Philippines - Four Filipino films were included in the Busan International Film Festival's (BIFF) “Asian Cinema 100” list.

Based on a poll of 73 noted filmmakers and critics, the movies Manila in the Claws of Light (Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag) and Insiang, both directed by Lino Brocka, Mike de Leon's Batch '81  and Lav Diaz's Melancholia are included on their greatest Asian films of all time.


1. Manila in the Claws of Light (1975) at 30th

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2. Insiang (1976) at 66th

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3. Batch '81 (1982) at 66th


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4. Melancholia (2008) at 66th

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Tokyo Story, a legendary masterpiece by Ozu Yasujiro, made the top of the list. Japan accounted for 26 films on the list, followed by Iran and Korea.

Nine Filipino directors were also included on their Best Directors list: Lino Brocka (16), Lav Diaz ranked (26), Gerardo de Leon (32), Brillante Mendoza (40), Ishmael Bernal, Mike de Leon, Lamberto V. Avellana, Mario O'Hara and Kidlat Tahimik.

The list was made in conjunction with the festival’s 20th anniversary. Check the full list of “Asian Cinema 100” here.

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